Chinese leader Xi Jinping addresses guests at a National Day event on September 30, 2024, marking the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Getty Images
Chinese leader Xi Jinping reaffirmed his commitment to achieving “reunification” with Taiwan, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Communist China’s establishment. During a grand state banquet on the eve of the national holiday, Xi emphasized his determination to bring Taiwan under China's control. He stated, “It’s an irreversible trend, a cause of righteousness and the common aspiration of the people. No one can stop the march of history.” His words echoed to the thousands gathered at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, as reported by the state-run news agency Xinhua.
China's ruling Communist Party insists that Taiwan is part of its territory, even though the island has never been under its control. The Chinese government has vowed to "reunify" with Taiwan, even hinting at the use of force if necessary. However, many residents of Taiwan identify as distinctly Taiwanese and do not wish to be governed by Communist China. Since 1949, after the Chinese Civil War, Taiwan has operated under a separate government. Following their defeat, nationalists fled to Taiwan, while the communists established the People’s Republic of China in Beijing.
Xi is the most assertive Chinese leader in decades, and his rhetoric surrounding Taiwan has grown increasingly aggressive. He asserted at the banquet, “Taiwan is China’s sacred territory. Blood is thicker than water, and people on both sides of the strait are connected by blood.” He also called for stronger economic and cultural ties across the Taiwan Strait and encouraged efforts to foster “spiritual harmony” between the two sides.
The Chinese leader urged a resolute stance against any attempts for “Taiwan independence.” Tensions have escalated since Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te took office in May, when he labelled China's military intimidation as unacceptable. In response, Beijing has intensified its military presence around Taiwan, with the Chinese military conducting various drills that were intended to showcase its capabilities for asserting control over the island.
Recently, Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported that it was on high alert after detecting multiple missile launches deep within mainland China. The missiles were fired by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force from various inland regions, including Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang. The ministry highlighted that Taiwan’s air defence forces are maintaining a heightened level of vigilance and readiness.
Adding to the military tensions, just days prior, China had conducted a rare test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, firing it into the Pacific Ocean for the first time in 44 years. Analysts viewed this as a direct message to the United States and its allies amid rising regional tensions.
The Taiwan issue has become a significant point of conflict between China and the U.S., which has informal relations with Taipei and is committed by law to provide military support to the island for its defence. In a recent move, U.S. President Joe Biden approved an additional $567 million in military assistance for Taiwan, marking the largest aid package from America to the island to date. This support includes defence equipment and military training, underscoring the U.S.'s commitment to Taiwan amid growing concerns over China's assertiveness.
